Royal Dutch Shell has picked a site in Louisiana for a plant costing at least $12.5 billion that would turn natural gas into diesel, jet fuel and other liquids, the Louisiana governor’s office announced Tuesday.

Shell said the project, which is no sure thing, could help to harness more domestic natural gas to make transportation fuels. The company will continue to consider the option before making an investment decision at the site in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, according to the news release.

The plant would offer the benefit of displacing oil used to make fuels and other products and lowering emissions, since Shell says liquids produced from natural gas burn cleaner than those produced from oil.

It also would create at least 740 direct jobs with an average salary of $100,000, as well as at least 3,900 indirect jobs, according to the announcement. Louisiana State University estimates the project would have an economic impact of $77.6 billion over the construction period and the first 15 years of operation of the plant, according to the press release.

“Today’s announcement is a historic new opportunity for Shell to potentially expand its manufacturing operations onshore in a world-class, gas-to-liquids facility in Ascension Parish on the Mississippi River,” Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said in a statement. “Here in the heart of Louisiana’s world-scale petrochemical industries, the Gulf Coast GTL project would give thousands more of our people an opportunity for a rewarding career right here at home.”

Louisiana offered Shell an incentive of $112 million, according to the release.

“The State of Louisiana offered Shell a competitive incentive package that would include a performance-based grant of $112 million to reimburse costs associated with necessary public road improvements, land acquisition and other infrastructure costs,” the state said in the press release.

The plant would be the latest effort to use more domestic natural gas. Power plants, chemical plants and planned export facilities are all looking to harness the resource.

Shell has also committed to expanding the availability of natural gas for transportation, by creating small-scale plants to liquefy the fuel for use in trains, trucks and marine vehicles. The company also is planning to supply liquefied natural gas to 100 refueling stations across the country.

A gas-to-liquids facility would add to the company’s efforts to increase the use of natural gas and further displace oil used to make fuels and other liquids.

It also could result in well more than the minimum planned $12.5 billion investment and 740 permanent jobs that Shell has told Louisiana the project will create.

“Should we move forward with the project, we expect project costs to be well in excess of the minimum spend that was agreed upon with the State of Louisiana,” Jorge Santos Silva, Shell’s executive vice president directing integrated gas activities for Shell Upstream Americas said in a statement. “We look forward to working with our prospective neighbors and other interested parties. Through it all, we are committed to keeping people safe, protecting the environment and being a good neighbor.”

Shell long has worked to use natural gas as a substitute for oil when it comes to producing transportation fuels, lubricants and other liquids. The company holds 3,500 patents related to the technology and opened its first commercial gas-to-liquids facility in Malaysia in 1993.

Shell’s Olympus platform is set up on the Mars field in the Gulf of Mexico in July 2013.

Shell’s Olympus platform is set up on the Mars field in the Gulf of Mexico in July 2013.

Photo: Royal Dutch Shell

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Shell’s massive Olympus tension leg platform set sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425 mile trek to its final home on the Mars Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell’s massive Olympus tension leg platform set sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425 mile trek to its final home on the Mars Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Royal Dutch Shell

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Shell’s new Olympus platform now is stationed next to Shell’s Mars platform in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell’s new Olympus platform now is stationed next to Shell’s Mars platform in the Gulf of Mexico.

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Shell’s Olympus platform is now stationed at the Mars field in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico.

Shell’s Olympus platform is now stationed at the Mars field in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Royal Dutch Shell

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Shell’s new Olympus platform is secured near to Shell’s Mars platform in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell’s new Olympus platform is secured near to Shell’s Mars platform in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Royal Dutch Shell

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Shell’s new Olympus platform is set up next to Shell’s Mars platform in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell’s new Olympus platform is set up next to Shell’s Mars platform in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Royal Dutch Shell

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The Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) is seen at dawn as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less

The Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) is seen at dawn as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest ... more

Photo: Eddie Seal / Bloomberg

Image 8 of 102

People gather on a dock to watch the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) set sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Port Aransas, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less

People gather on a dock to watch the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) set sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Port Aransas, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's ... more

Photo: Eddie Seal / Bloomberg

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A boater passes the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) at dawn as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less

A boater passes the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) at dawn as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's ... more

Photo: Eddie Seal / Bloomberg

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Workers stand aboard the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less

The Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) is seen at dawn as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less

The Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) is seen at dawn as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest ... more

Photo: Eddie Seal / Bloomberg

Image 12 of 102

The Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) is seen at dawn as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less

The Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) is seen at dawn as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest ... more

People gather to watch the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) set sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Port Aransas, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less

People gather to watch the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) set sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Port Aransas, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less

People gather to watch the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) set sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Port Aransas, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less

Shell's Olympus platform, its largest and newest tension leg platform, started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's Olympus platform, its largest and newest tension leg platform, started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

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Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 20 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 21 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 22 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 23 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 24 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 25 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 26 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 27 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 28 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 29 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 30 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 31 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 32 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 33 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 34 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 35 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 36 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 37 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 38 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 39 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 40 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 41 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 42 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 43 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 44 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 45 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 46 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 47 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 48 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions

Image 49 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Image 50 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Image 51 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Image 52 of 102

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.

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Shell's Olympus production platform rises above the Ingleside shipyard near Corpus Christi June 5, 2013. The Olympus is scheduled to be towed later in the summer to Shell's Mars B project 130 miles south of New Orleans. less

Shell's Olympus production platform rises above the Ingleside shipyard near Corpus Christi June 5, 2013. The Olympus is scheduled to be towed later in the summer to Shell's Mars B project 130 miles south of ... more

Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle

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From Shell deep-water drilling platform Olympus three other drilling platform are under construction at the vast Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013.

From Shell deep-water drilling platform Olympus three other drilling platform are under construction at the vast Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013.

Photo: GEORGE TULEY / FOR THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE

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Workers at the Ingleside shipyard near Corpus Christi on June 5, 2013 prepare Shell's Olympus production platform for towing later in the summer to the Mars B project 130 miles south of New Orleans.

Workers at the Ingleside shipyard near Corpus Christi on June 5, 2013 prepare Shell's Olympus production platform for towing later in the summer to the Mars B project 130 miles south of New Orleans.

Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle

Image 56 of 102

A workout room is crammed with fitness equipment inside the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013.

A workout room is crammed with fitness equipment inside the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013.

Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle

Image 57 of 102

Everyone gets their own bunk, with a built-in TV and a bathroom on the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013. FOR THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE GEORGE TULEY less

Everyone gets their own bunk, with a built-in TV and a bathroom on the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013. FOR THE ... more

Image 58 of 102

Steve Flack, the off-shore installation manager on the Shell drilling platform Olympus, describes the high-tech facilities of the control room at the Kiewit off-shore services facility at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013. The Olympus will be connected to Shell offices in New Orleans by fiber optics. less

Steve Flack, the off-shore installation manager on the Shell drilling platform Olympus, describes the high-tech facilities of the control room at the Kiewit off-shore services facility at Ingleside, Texas ... more

Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle

Image 59 of 102

Antonio Cespedes uses a calculator as he does paperwork inside the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013.

Antonio Cespedes uses a calculator as he does paperwork inside the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013.

Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle

Image 60 of 102

Sitting beneath the deck of the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013 are a total of 24 precisely aligned octagonal drillling guides. The drilling rig will be moved over each of the drilling guide to begin drilling in each of the 24 pre-drilled well locations. The pre-drilling of about 6000 feet is to assure that when full scale drilling is started on the Olympus there will be no surprises. less

Sitting beneath the deck of the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013 are a total of 24 precisely aligned octagonal ... more

Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle

Image 61 of 102

At the foot on one of the four legs of the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site are containment booms pre-deployed in the event of any spills at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013. less

At the foot on one of the four legs of the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site are containment booms pre-deployed in the event of any spills at Ingleside, Texas ... more

Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle

Image 62 of 102

At the processing module fuel gas is separated from oil and water and is used to power gas turbines that produce 28 meagwatts for the operaqtions on the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013. less

At the processing module fuel gas is separated from oil and water and is used to power gas turbines that produce 28 meagwatts for the operaqtions on the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the ... more

Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle

Image 63 of 102

The medical facility on the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, is equipped to treeat everything from minor cuts and scrapes to major pain medication for kidney stones Wednesday, June 5, 2013 i. The policy on the shell platforms is "everything is treated" from minor cuts and abrassions to something as serious as pain medication for kidney stones. less

The medical facility on the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, is equipped to treeat everything from minor cuts and scrapes to major pain medication ... more

Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle

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Shell is commited to nothing as small as chewing gum goes overboard into the work site at the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013. A worker vacuums the floor in the power module to keep even minor debris from being blown into the water at the work site. less

Shell is commited to nothing as small as chewing gum goes overboard into the work site at the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June ... more

Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle

Image 65 of 102

The critical alarm panel sits in one of the work stations in the control room of the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013. less

The critical alarm panel sits in one of the work stations in the control room of the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, ... more

Photo: GEORGE TULEY / FOR THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Image 66 of 102

Workers at the Ingleside shipyard near Corpus Christi on June 5, 2013 prepare Shell's Olympus production platform for towing later in the summer to the Mars B project 130 miles south of New Orleans.

Workers at the Ingleside shipyard near Corpus Christi on June 5, 2013 prepare Shell's Olympus production platform for towing later in the summer to the Mars B project 130 miles south of New Orleans.

Photo: George Tuley / for the Houston Chronicle

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Elevators carry workers and visitors up the hull and onto the platform.

Elevators carry workers and visitors up the hull and onto the platform.

Photo: Emily Pickrell / Houston Chronicle

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Shell says it has taken 14 million hours of work to build the Olympus. By the time it's complete, the entire project will have clocked 20 million hours.

Shell says it has taken 14 million hours of work to build the Olympus. By the time it's complete, the entire project will have clocked 20 million hours.

Photo: Emily Pickrell / Houston Chronicle

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The derrick rises above the Shell Olympus hull.

The derrick rises above the Shell Olympus hull.

Photo: Emily Pickrell / Houston Chronicle

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Royal Dutch Shell is making the final preparations to sail its state-of-the-art Olympus platform into the Gulf of Mexico.

Royal Dutch Shell is making the final preparations to sail its state-of-the-art Olympus platform into the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Emily Pickrell / Houston Chronicle

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Final preparations are made aboard the Shell Olympus platform.

Final preparations are made aboard the Shell Olympus platform.

Photo: Emily Pickrell / Houston Chronicle

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This hydraulic clamp helps assure the massive Olympus platform doesn't fall over in a hurricane.

This hydraulic clamp helps assure the massive Olympus platform doesn't fall over in a hurricane.

Photo: Emily Pickrell / Houston Chronicle

Image 73 of 102

The Olympus, designed to operate in water depths of 3,000 to 8,000 feet, will be Shell’s sixth tension leg platform in the Gulf.

The Olympus, designed to operate in water depths of 3,000 to 8,000 feet, will be Shell’s sixth tension leg platform in the Gulf.

Photo: Emily Pickrell / Houston Chronicle

Image 74 of 102

The Olympus will be Shell’s sixth tension leg platform and its largest to date.

The Olympus will be Shell’s sixth tension leg platform and its largest to date.

Photo: Emily Pickrell / Houston Chronicle

Image 75 of 102

Shell's Olympus platform readies for its trek into the Gulf of Mexico, where it will work on Shell’s deep-water Mars field.

Shell's Olympus platform readies for its trek into the Gulf of Mexico, where it will work on Shell’s deep-water Mars field.

Photo: Mike Duhon Productions / Shell

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Final preparation of the Olympus platform was done at Kiewit Corp.’s fabrication yard in Ingleside, before the structure heads to work in the Gulf of Mexico.

Final preparation of the Olympus platform was done at Kiewit Corp.’s fabrication yard in Ingleside, before the structure heads to work in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo: Mike Duhon Productions / Shell

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The Olympus hull traveled from South Korea, more than 18,000 miles over two months, to reach Ingleside, Texas.

The Olympus hull traveled from South Korea, more than 18,000 miles over two months, to reach Ingleside, Texas.

Photo: Mike Duhon Productions / Shell

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The 10-million-pound drilling structure was loaded onto a barge in Baytown and shipped to Ingleside, where it was mated with the Olympus platform.

The 10-million-pound drilling structure was loaded onto a barge in Baytown and shipped to Ingleside, where it was mated with the Olympus platform.

Photo: Mike Duhon Productions / Shell

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It took two years and 575,000 man-hours to build the rig, which give the Olympus drilling capability in addition to its production function.

It took two years and 575,000 man-hours to build the rig, which give the Olympus drilling capability in addition to its production function.

The rig's lower substructure is lifted during construction at the Lonestar Energy Fabrication yard in Baytown, Texas. The rig will be part of Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus offshore oil platform, which will be used in the Gulf of Mexico. less

The rig's lower substructure is lifted during construction at the Lonestar Energy Fabrication yard in Baytown, Texas. The rig will be part of Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus offshore oil platform, which will be ... more

Photo: Lonestar Energy Fabrication

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The drill floor is lifted onto the drilling structure, which will become part of Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus offshore oil platform. Shell plans to use the Olympus to add a six-well subsea development in the Gulf of Mexico. less

The drill floor is lifted onto the drilling structure, which will become part of Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus offshore oil platform. Shell plans to use the Olympus to add a six-well subsea development in the ... more

Photo: Lonestar Energy Fabrication

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Workers at the Lonestar Energy Fabrication yard in Baytown, Texas work on the drilling rig that will become part of Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico

Workers at the Lonestar Energy Fabrication yard in Baytown, Texas work on the drilling rig that will become part of Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico

Lights illuminate the rig under construction at the Lonestar Energy Fabrication yard in Baytown, Texas. The rig will be part of Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus offshore oil platform, which will be used in the Gulf of Mexico. less

Lights illuminate the rig under construction at the Lonestar Energy Fabrication yard in Baytown, Texas. The rig will be part of Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus offshore oil platform, which will be used in the Gulf ... more

Photo: Lonestar Energy Fabrication

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The Olympus drilling rig, constructed by Lonestar Energy Fabrication, will become part of the world's largest tension leg platform. Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus TLP weighs five million pounds.

The Olympus drilling rig, constructed by Lonestar Energy Fabrication, will become part of the world's largest tension leg platform. Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus TLP weighs five million pounds.

Photo: Gary Fountain / Houston Chronicle

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The Olympus drilling rig, constructed by Lonestar Energy Fabrication, will become part of the world's largest tension leg platform. Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus TLP weighs five million pounds.

The Olympus drilling rig, constructed by Lonestar Energy Fabrication, will become part of the world's largest tension leg platform. Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus TLP weighs five million pounds.

Photo: Gary Fountain / Houston Chronicle

Image 88 of 102

The rig is secured on a barge near Baytown, Texas. It will make a four-day, 250-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas to be mated with Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus offshore oil platform for use in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico. less

The rig is secured on a barge near Baytown, Texas. It will make a four-day, 250-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas to be mated with Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus offshore oil platform for use in the deep-water ... more

Photo: Lonestar Energy Fabrication

Image 89 of 102

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more

Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.

Image 92 of 102

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more

Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.

Image 93 of 102

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more

Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.

Image 94 of 102

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more

Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.

Image 95 of 102

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more

Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.

Image 96 of 102

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more

Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.

Image 97 of 102

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more

Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.

Image 98 of 102

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more

Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.

Image 99 of 102

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more

Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.

Image 100 of 102

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more

Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.

Image 101 of 102

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less

Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more